Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Zenyatta Voted to Hall of Fame

April 9, 2010, Zenyatta and jockey Mike Smith race down the stretch on the way to winning the $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational horse race at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
April 9, 2010, Zenyatta and jockey Mike Smith race down the stretch on the way to winning the $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational horse race at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

We’re excited and honored to share that Zenyatta has been elected to the 2016 class of the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place Friday, August 12 in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Zenyatta began her racing career as a three year-old, under trainer John Shirreffs, winning her maiden race in 2007 at Hollywood Park. She rewrote racing history by beating the all-male field in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009, becoming the first mare ever to win that race and the first horse ever to win two different Breeders’ Cup races. Zenyatta retired in 2010 with a record of 19-1-0, having won a total of 17 graded stakes, including 13 Grade 1s. She was named Champion Older Female in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as 2010 Horse of the Year.

We’d like to give a big thanks to everyone involved in Zenyatta’s career including John Shirreffs, Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, Mike Smith, David Ingordo, Jeannie and April Mayberry, Mario Espinoza, Carmen, Michelle Jensen, Frank Leal, Cheva, Dawn Hunkin, the late Steve Willard, the rest of Barn 55, and Zenyatta’s fans around the world.

Reader Interactions

256 Comments

  3. / Reply

    Three whinnies and high hooves for Our Queen Zenyatta and to the many horses who saw her lovely backside!!!! Excellent news to lift our spirits, to re-energize our Nation, and to honor Our Queen!!!! Ditto on the recognition of everyone involved in Zenyatta’s career; however, special shout-outs to Mr. & Mrs. Moss, for without them, we would not have information about Zenyatta. Zenny, I hope you are wearing your tiara today as you are dancing!!

    Love to ALL,
    Mary in Boone

  4. / Reply

    This is a well deserved honor.
    Wish I could be in Saratoga to see the induction
    Congratulations to all who were part of the team and this special journey.
    Bluegrass Girl

    • / Reply

      It is good to get good news. Congratulations to all on Team Zenyatta and to the Queen herself. This is a richly deserved honor for a superstar horse.

  6. / Reply

    I never doubted it for a minute! ;) But still, great news indeed. Congratulations, Zenyatta. No one deserves it more!

  7. / Reply

    Congratulations everyone. A very well deserved honor. Everyone’s hard work for years and Zenyatta’s talent made her and her team (almost) impossible to beat!
    Hugs to everyone and peppermints for Zenyatta!
    Lynn in California

  8. / Reply

    Dear Team Z – we could not be happier, prouder, and more touched for this additional achievement in Zenny’s career. It is all the more special that she and Milyone shared some of those special times during this special era of racing at Barn 55 and Hollywood Park. Sending Love, Hugs, and Blessings! George, Linda, and Milyone

  9. / Reply

    This is so awesome! I’m so happy and proud!!! Way to go everyone at Team Zenyatta. Especially Zenyatta what a thrill!

  14. / Reply

    Way to go Zenyatta! Another accolade to add to your many. You were an amazing race horse with those come from behind finishes. And your dance as you went to post. Now you are an amazing broodmare. Hope you are pregnant soon. I as many others are proud of you and love you.

  17. / Reply

    Congratulations to Queen Z and all her team! Such a well deserved honor! Wish I could be there for the induction ceremony! ❤️

  19. / Reply

    Hail to our Queen. Well deserved honor. Congratulations to Zenyatta and the whole Z-team.

  20. / Reply

    To Team Zenyatta – You changed and blessed my life — I stood right at the finish line when she beat the boys, and everyone was crying with joy — one of the best days of my life. I grew up around Santa Anita and was blessed to see her race many times — believe me, nothing will ever top that — simply nothing. She and her team were a gift from God. Thank you for the love you brought into our lives, and still do. Vary happy for this honor for the Queen. Long may she dance, and run like the wind. P.S. in a funny twist, I moved to Zenyatta’s street, in a tiny little bluegrass town, the same time she did!

  23. / Reply

    Congratulations to everyone. So deserving. I love Zenyatta very much. Thank you for sharing this wonderful news.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta – Congratulations to you, your team and all of your loyal fans. Of course you and Rachel Alexandra are so deserving of this honor. Celebrate with your girlfriends and enjoy all the accolades coming your way. You deserve them many times over. It is a very special honor. You and RA are just such beautiful mares and I feel so blessed that I have had the opportunity to see you both in person. It was a wonderful gift I am forever thankful to have these memories.

  26. / Reply

    Oh, how wonderful………what a great honor and Zenyatta so deserves it. She has had a wonderful team around her. But most of all she has had wonderful and honorable owners, Ann and Jerry Moss who have shared her with the world and all us fans who love her…..but always kept her well-being as their first concern. I also have to think about Mike Smith……… Mike and Zenyatta were quite the team. I hope one day a movie is made about her. It will be exciting!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Mary,
      It would be wonderful to have a movie about Zenyatta. Like you, I hope that happens down the road. with love, Elizabeth

  27. / Reply

    No one deserves it more! Congratulations, Zenyatta! You are a true legend. This is the first time in two weeks I’ve cried tears of joy for you and not sadness.

  29. / Reply

    What an accolade for the greatest racehorse of my lifetime. She had it all…personality, temperament and talent that had no match. Zenny, I am so proud of you and your Team!

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